WSU News - All Stories

Dec. 1, 2020 — Two new battery-powered buses wrapped in Shocker pride will soon be seen zipping through Wichita’s streets. Wichita Transit recently unveiled the Wichita State University-branded buses, which are ecofriendly, filled with modern conveniences, and will circulate among the university’s main campus, as well as Wichita State South, WSU Tech and the Metroplex.

December 1, 2020 - Wichita State’s Division of Diversity and Inclusion is organizing “Tenacious Men,” a program designed to provide mentoring and STEM education for underrepresent students in Wichita Public Schools.

Nov. 18, 2020 — There were two Shocker milestones in 1964: Wichita University became Wichita State University, and a 17-year-old Martha Backman walked onto the Wichita State campus and began her college education. It took 56 years, but the 73-year-old is finally graduating with her degree in aging studies. 

Nov. 16, 2020 — Zane Storlie has not only dedicated his time at Wichita State to learning everything he can about computer science, but he’s also been an advocate for computer science education for elementary and middle school students in the area. Zane created a three-unit curriculum to teach Scratch coding to more than 750 students in Wichita Public Schools, and the Derby school district asked him to present a teacher training course to its librarians.

November 16, 2020 - Kirsten Long, from Haven, came to Wichita State University to start her career in education. She credits her field experiences and helpful teachers with preparing her for teaching. Kirsten is one of more than 1,200 students eligible for fall 2020 graduation. Learn more about her time at Wichita State and what is next for the grad.

Nov. 16, 2020 — Both Samuel Pittman’s parents work at Wichita State University, so he spent a good amount of time on campus as a child. But what really drew him to become a Shocker was the university’s strong sport management program.

November 16, 2020 - Morgan Bretches, from Wellington, recently was offered a position as laboratory assistant at Mayo Clinic, where she will investigate the meningeal lymphatic system and the brain. Morgan is one of more than 1,200 students eligible for fall 2020 graduation. Learn more about her time at Wichita State and what is next for the grad.

November 9, 2020 - KPTS recognized Wichita State University Military & Veteran Services with its Distinguished Veterans Coming Home Business Award in a special program that aired on Nov. 5 on Channel 8. WSU’s Military & Veteran Services provides assistance with Veteran Affairs educational benefits, provides counseling, testing and other service. It connects military students with opportunities for campus involvement. Larry Burks Sr., is the director of Military & Veteran Services.

November 6, 2020 - Kaitlyn Larsen, from Haysville, chose a career that makes her essential to the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Rathman is one of more than 1,200 students eligible for fall 2020 graduation. Learn more about her time at Wichita State and what is next for the grad.

Nov. 5, 2020 -- BAASE started in 2018, and the partnership between Wichita Public Schools and Wichita State began in fall 2019 with the goal of creating a stronger system of support for African American and Hispanic students who want to pursue post-secondary education.

Nov. 3, 2020 -- Brandyn Rathman, from Sioux City, Iowa, is excited to start his career in the medical field after graduation. He said he believes his experience at Wichita State University will help him help his patients lead healthy lives. Rathman is one of more than 1,200 students eligible for fall 2020 graduation. Learn more about her time at Wichita State and what is next for the grad.

Rachit Rajput, from Shimla, India, came to Wichita State in 2015 on faith in the engineering program. He leaves with a master’s degree in industrial engineering. Rachit is one of more than 1,200 students eligible for fall 2020 graduation. Learn more about her time at Wichita State and what is next for the grad.

Inneke Vargas, from Houston, appreciates the interdisciplinary approach of her liberal arts degree from Wichita State University. After graduate school, she wants to work on policy changes to help eliminate health disparities. “My research broadly focuses on the effects of mental health stigma, particularly among African Americans, across the lifespan,” she wrote. “More narrowly, I am currently interested in the ways mental health care inequities disproportionately affect minority men during adolescence and very late adulthood.”

Oct. 5, 2020 — Alums Spencer Steinert, Jared Goering and Maggie Koops teamed up to address a challenge created by XPrize: to craft a face mask addressing the obstacles that deter people from wearing them and promote positive mask-wearing behavior.